#USA #New York #Phillips Associates #Semma #Santo Pesantez

Federal Sexual Harassment Lawsuits Filed Against Semma

In a significant legal move, Phillips & Associates, a law firm based in New York and specialized in employment law, has taken steps to address serious allegations concerning sexual harassment at the renowned Michelin-starred restaurant, Semma. On July 27, 2026, the firm filed three separate federal lawsuits on behalf of former hosts Charlotte Swett, Tessa Tookes, and Nina Zhuo. These legal actions have sparked attention due to the severity of the claims against the restaurant and its management team.

The lawsuits, namely Swett v. Unapologetic Foods LLC et al., Tookes v. Unapologetic Foods LLC et al., and Zhuo v. Unapologetic Foods LLC et al., target Unapologetic Foods LLC, the parent company of Semma, and Tapestry Management LLC. They allege a range of misconduct under various laws, including Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the New York State Human Rights Law, and the New York City Human Rights Law. These legislative protections are in place to safeguard employees from sexual harassment and other forms of retaliation.

Central to these complaints is Santo Pesantez, who previously served as the Director of Operations for Unapologetic Foods and held the role of interim manager at Semma. According to reports emerging from the lawsuits, Mr. Pesantez allegedly wielded considerable influence over employees, impacting their promotions and work conditions. The plaintiffs contend that this significant power imbalance not only facilitated but exacerbated the difficult situation for victims trying to reject advances or report inappropriate behavior.

Across all three cases, the claims detail a troubling pattern of sexualized comments, racial discrimination, unwanted physical contact, and repercussions faced by the hosts after they attempted to report the harassment. They also accuse Mr. Pesantez of misusing security cameras to scrutinize female guests, including actress Kate Hudson. The lawsuits allege that he was seen monitoring her via security footage during his shifts at Semma, raising additional questions about privacy and professional conduct within the restaurant’s operations.

On January 22, 2026, all three women reportedly raised their concerns with Human Resources, asserting that management was aware of some of Mr. Pesantez's questionable behavior before they filed their complaints. The legal filings underscore a culture of silence and complicity that often exists in hospitality settings, making it all the more challenging for employees to voice their grievances.

Brittany A. Stevens, partner at Phillips & Associates, expressed the difficulty of coming forward with such serious claims, particularly in an industry where power dynamics play a significant role. She stated, "Coming forward about sexual harassment is difficult in any workplace. It can be especially difficult in the restaurant industry when the person accused of misconduct has power over your shifts, your income, your advancement, and whether you continue working there." This statement echoes a larger sentiment about the challenges faced by individuals in similar positions within the industry.

As the allegations now move through the legal system, it presents an opportunity to address issues of workplace harassment and hold those in power accountable. Both Unapologetic Foods and Tapestry Management have yet to respond formally to the accusations in court, leaving the outcome uncertain but crucial for the affected hosts and the broader restaurant community.

This situation shines a light on the critical need for comprehensive policies and mechanisms to help protect workers in vulnerable positions, ultimately fostering safer, more equitable workplaces across the hospitality sector. As this case develops, the outcomes may influence future practices and policies regarding harassment in the restaurant industry.

For more detailed information about the filed lawsuits, including case particulars, you can access the official release from Phillips & Associates.